Hannah Giese: The Musical Volunteer Making a Difference

Hannah Giese, who recently graduated from Belgrade High School, has been a dedicated volunteer for each of the Bozeman Symphony’s concerts for the past three years. Her passion for music and desire to give back to the community has led her to become an important part of the Symphony’s concerts as she aspires to become a performing member.

You can find Hannah at the auditorium entrance serving as an usher and greeting guests, at the concession counter, assisting in the coordination of the Encore Society Lounge, hanging concert posters, or pitching in wherever needed. Her dedication shines through as she spends an average of eight hours volunteering for each concert series, totaling over 100 hours throughout the season.

“Hannah is truly a gem within our organization,” said Front of House Manager Amelia Murnane. “She is always willing to help wherever she is needed, and her reliability and flexibility make her a star volunteer. I am always so thrilled when I see that Hannah has signed up to volunteer because I know that the task or volunteer position will be in excellent hands.”

Hannah’s involvement with the Symphony dates back to her childhood, as her family regularly attended concerts. With a family immersed in music, including parents who participated in high school bands and sisters involved in college ensembles, her connection to music runs deep.

Inspired by her early experiences at Symphony concerts, Hannah decided to volunteer to gain insight into what happens behind the scenes and enjoy the concerts. Her favorite part of volunteering is interacting with patrons and staff, sharing musical experiences, and listening to incredible music, a reward in itself for her hard work.

As a talented musician who plays the piano, French horn, saxophone, and trumpet, Hannah was a member of her high school’s wind symphony, jazz and marching bands, and the Bozeman Municipal Band during the summer. She takes horn lessons from Bozeman Symphony Associate Principal Horn Dr. Elizabeth Schmidt, who is a professor at MSU, every two weeks and continues to take weekly piano lessons, something she started as a youngster.

Hannah’s love for music extends beyond playing instruments—she also enjoys learning music theory. Her piano teacher has been a considerable influence, shaping her perspective on music and inspiring her to pursue a career in music technology.

Hannah recently began studies toward a music degree at Montana State University, where she earned a scholarship. With plans to play the mellophone in the university’s marching band and participate in various ensembles, she is set to embark on a new chapter in her musical journey. Inspired by Music Director Norman Huynh, she hopes to explore conducting in the future, driven by his passion for music. In her free time, she enjoys trail running and photography.

Despite her busy schedule, Hannah remains committed to volunteering for the Symphony, citing the rewarding experiences it provides. She stands out as a devoted volunteer making a difference through her passion for music and service.